On Wednesday, April 9, a regular after-school soccer practice at KC International Academy turned into an unforgettable moment for the boys’ and girls’ teams. Sporting Kansas City players Memo Rodríguez and Jansen Miller made a surprise visit, joining the young athletes on the pitch to share not just their skills but also their stories and encouragement.
The visit began with a heartfelt meeting between the Sporting KC players and the team captains. Ahmed, captain of the KCIA boys’ team, shared his story and how he fell in love with soccer while growing up in Sudan. He recalled how he and his friends would create soccer balls from socks and trash bags and how he and his friends made their own game. Memo commenting on how fun that game sounded, both players bonding over the world’s game. Both team captains proudly told Memo and Jansen about attending the recent Sporting KC victory over cross-state rivals St. Louis, their eyes lighting up as they recounted the thrilling match.
Following the conversation, Memo and Jansen got right into training, participating in drills and offering tips to the players. The players shared lessons not just about soccer technique but also about focus, teamwork, and resilience. Whether passing for one-touch shots or leading their sides in a spirited intrasquad scrimmage, the pros brought an energy that lifted the entire field.
After practice, the Sporting KC duo spoke to the middle schoolers about their personal journeys to the professional level. They emphasized the importance of education, dedication, and respect for teachers and coaches, crediting their own coaches for helping them reach the pros. Their message was clear: with passion, discipline, and support, you can achieve your dreams.
The visit was part of an ongoing partnership between KCIA and The Victory Project, which continues to empower youth through soccer. The Victory Project has partnered with KCIA through the Soccer Assist Grant annually since 2022. The initiative recently provided brand-new gear for every player on both the girls’ and boys’ teams. KCIA is a vibrant and diverse community, representing over 27 countries and though their soccer program is young, it’s already showing promise. In fact, last season, the boys’ team captured the city championship, with Ahmed scoring in the final.
After taking some pictures and talking to players, Sporting players went on their way while the teams continued to practice in preparation for their next game. Follow along with the Victory Project and their initiatives at VictoryKC.org